Bridge directly on wood... or after finish?

[mandrlane]

I know this may be a dumb question... but I searched the forum and did not see an answer.

I have a bass I am getting refinished... it will be sanded down to the wood and a nice clear coat put on.

I just got a new Badass II in that I will be using.

Should the bridge go on the wood directly and the finish sprayed around it... or the bass completely finished and the bridge just sit on the finish?

Any advantage in sound transfer... also, the bass previously had a small shim in the neck pocket... I assume to get the action just a little lower... Doubt the finish is that thick... but could help in that area I guess if the bridge was direcly on the wood... although since I need to file the badass slots anyway... I could just do them depper if needed to avoid the shim?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[spudmaster34]

finish, then bridge